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XYIII. 


A 


MEMORIAL 

CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS 

•i 

OR 

FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS 

In the 

PROVINCE OF NEW-YORK: 


IN WHICH 


THEIR PRESENT STATE, NUMBERS AND SITUATION ARE SET FORTH; AR 
GUMENTS WHY GOVERNMENT SHOULD INTERPOSE FOR THEIR 
CONVERSION TO CHRISTIANITY AND REDUCTION TO A CIVI¬ 
LISED STATE ARE ADDUCED; A PLAN FOR THEIR CONVER¬ 
SION IS LAID DOWN; CIRCUMSTANCES WHICH PROMISE 
SUCCESS TO SUCH AN ATTEMPT AT THIS TIME ARE 
POINTED OUTT AND SOME OBJECTIONS TO THE 
DESIGN ARE OBVIATED. 


HUMBLY ADDRESSED 

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE THE EARL OF HILLSBOROUGH. 


BY REV. CHARLES INGLIS, 

> i 

Of Trinity Church, N. Y. 





VOL. IV. 


69 


.X7I5- 



/ ✓ 

TO THE READER 

In the year 1770, the Rev. Charles Inglis, then assistant minister of Trinity 
Church, New-York, paid a visit to Sir Wm. Johnson. His interest in the 
spiritual and moral wants of the Six Nations was, it would seem, then awaken- 
ed, and the result was, the present “ Memorial concerning the Iroquois,” which 
having been “ copied out fair in a good Hand, and in a quarto size, and having 
a Marble cover, with Col. Johnson’s accurate and neat Map prefixed, 
made a handsome looking Pamphlet,” {Ante, 468.) and was sent in 1771, 
to Lord Hillsborough, then Secretary of State, with recommendations from 
Gov. Tryon and Sir Wm. Johnson. The history of the recovery of these 
interesting documents is a matter of interest in a literary point of view. About 
three years ago, the late Mr. Rich, of London, presented a collection of Maps 
and Charts to the New-York State Library. Among them was found the Guy 
Johnson Map, in MS. Sometime afterwards, in arranging Sir William John¬ 
son’s MSS. for the Library, a correspondence was discovered between him and 
the Rev. Mr. Inglis, from which it appeared that this Map was prepared to accom¬ 
pany a “ Memorial,” drawn up by the latter on the subject of christianizing the 
Five Nations. This correspondence is included in section XII of this Volume. 
In the hope of obtaining some clue to this paper, the Regents of the University 
caused enquiry to be made on the subject among the descendants of Dr. Inglis, 
who, it will be recollected, removed, at the close of the Revolution, to Nova 
Scotia, of which province he was the first bishop t This enquiry has been most 
succcessful, and to the Hon. Mr. Fairbanks, member of the Legislative Council 
of N. S., is the State indebted for the present copy of Dr. Inglis’Memorial. 
There are few instances in which a MS. has been traced through, and completed 
from such various sources. Ed. 



Wivuput- 


The Boundary of 2few Tork- 
not- being Closed, this part 
of the Country still belongs 
to the Mohocks 


This YV unity belongs 
to the Pn-eidas 


WaF t Ontario 


4L*PiWert.oii 


f ret i f 


A . T" Tr " 

Onondaga 


■4\ Ca- net uses/ its 


T &,& 3 ' 

losifk 


lpon 


Alb a ir 


The formin' West and jVt>rth 
of the Boundary' Lme having 
never been surveyed or ^ 

even though rly Explored 
is chiefly laid down- from 
my JcurnaZs and the 
. Sketches of intelligent. 
f Indians- and other Persons 


I There sin rnor 
l(dies he rah 
outs hut they 
ran-not / >• 
hud el on / 
with red at t/v 


f Part 

Massacln 
§ sets Ba^ 


dan u .v f t tgo A 


Kenderhook 


^ A Owegy 


On on del r/e a 


A Olsm-wg* 


To her ighrofi^ 


eciinic 


Connec 


Rlnnbick- 


Excellency 

rivYON Esq! 

& Governor in Chief 

of New -Yo rk & & 


r„’r>u’ n ‘j (ir yp 


To His 

W William r 

• J C an tain General 
vY o£ the Province 




C 7i fng /t r /gyftdot 


je Country ol f 1 

t/ 

errwitb J d art of tht 

nd>hf ihd ceiled- ly 

71lent Oledi 


n m 


wilhi-n whi ch they principally reside 
'upicdfyth-eir dependan ts The- Mohocks arenatmene 
Fori Mifalter & Co nag ok are pari of duo Oneida-fountry 
'ho form- tAessisrth Matrons ores om-i-tUd/heong as 
lands allotted diems between-' Oruebda- & frurn-daga 


By tire Country of the sis Nations proper is m eant dull pari 
the rest which is of fast esr-t-ent h e-ong chiefly occ 
OS they res ids- withvn- that h-mots of A.Tor hat 
lies also with-m that? fre/outces dus Tussaroras w, 
sou thern fe-ople that hsc on 


III ties 









































































































* 


A MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS, He. 


My Lord, 

The Iroquois, or Five Confederate Nations of Indians distin¬ 
guished and known by that name, are settled on the frontier of 
the Province of New-York. From the first reduction of this 
Province by the British arms, they entered into a strict alliance 
with the English, which they have always inviolably observed. 
History perhaps cannot cannot furnish an instance where a 
treaty of this kind has been more faithfully adhered to. It 
subsisted upwards of an hundred years without any material 
breach on their part, if we will only except such as were drawn 
over to the French by Popish missionaries, and who, on embrac¬ 
ing their religion, adopted their civil interests also. 

Those Nations, ever since their union in a league of confede- 
* racy, were greatly superior in courage and military skill to the 
other savages of North America. From that period, which 
commenced before we had any knowledge of this Province, they 
have been the terror of all the neighboring tribes, most of which 
they have subdued ; some they have entirely extirpated. The 
spirit of conquest carried them far beyond the limits of their 
own native districts. They have extended their empire over a 
tract of country twelve hundred miles in length, from north to 
south, and six hundred in breadth, from east to west. 

Their alliance with the English naturally led them to take 
part with us when at w ar with France. The French have often 
severely felt the pow r er of their arms. The Iroquois have more 
than once defeated the united forces of the French, and their 
confederate Indians, and have carried fire and sw f ord into the 
very heart of their settlements, threatening them with utter 
ruin. They formed a barrier along our frontiers against the 
French and the savages in their interest; and by this protec¬ 
tion, and the lucrative trade we carried on with them, they 


10Q3 


MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS CR 


greatly contributed to raise this Province to its present flour¬ 
ishing state. 

The Five Confederate Nations are the Mohawks, the Oneidas, 
the Onondagas, the Cayugas and the Senekas. To these may be 
added the Tuscaroras, who moved some years ago from the 
south, were taken into the confederacy, and incorporated with 
the Five Nations. 

The continual wars in which the Iroquois have been en¬ 
gaged, have considerably reduced their number from what it 
was formerly. This is particularly the case of the Mohawks. 
They, by their wisdom in council and bravery in the field, had 
gained an ascendancy over the other tribes which they preserve 
to this day. In all deliberations which relate to the common 
interest of the confederacy, and in the execution of every enter¬ 
prise, the Mohawks generally take the lead. ’Being situated the 
most easterly, and consequently the nearest to our first 
settlements, of any of the Five Nations, the missionaries sent by 
the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in foreign Parts, 
to convert the Indians of this Province, resided among them. 
The labors of those missionaries were attended witn such success, 
that in time the whole nation was brought over to Christianity. 
This attached the Mohawks more firmly to us. They always 
stood forth our faithful allies, especially in the late war, though 
in the course of it, the greater part of their bravest warriors 
perished. Our victories were often purchased at the expense 
of their blood, for they were among the first in almost every 
danger. 

The Mohawks have three villages—Schoare, Fort Hunter, 
and Canajohare. These are all within the English settlements, 
^ind contain four hundred and twenty souls. Fort Hunter, the 
central village, where a missionary from the Society now resides, 
is distant from Albany forty miles.* The Oneidas are situated 
eighty miles west from the Mohawks, somewhat beyond our set¬ 
tlements, and have two villages containing six hundred souls. 
Many of the Oneidas profess Christianity, being instructed partly 

* The city of Albany lies on Hudson’s River, almost due north from the city 
of Kaw-York, and about 150 miles distant from it. 


FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 1093 

by French Jesuits, partly by a dissenting -teacher, lately sent 
among them, but chiefly by the Society’s missionaries to the 
Mohawks. Next to the Oneidas are the Onondagas, at the 
distance of forty miles westerly ; their number is eight hundred. 
The Cayugas, amounting to one thousand and forty, are forty 
miles southwest of the Onondagas. The Senekas, forty miles 
northwest of the Cayugas, are in number four thousand, dis¬ 
persed in several villages ; and the Tuscaroras amount to one 
thousand. Very lew of the four tribes last mentioned have any 
impressions of Christianity. The extensive country, inhabited 
by all these Indians, is open, healthy, and in general ex¬ 
tremely fertile. It is watered by several rivers navigable lor 
battoes, which are very advantageous to commerce, as there are 
only a few miles of land carriage from Albany to Oswego on 
Lake Ontario. These Nations are able to bring two thousand 
fighting men, at least, into the field. 

Such a multitude of people, if reduced to order and civil life, 
and attached to us by ties of religion, would evidently be a great 
acquisition to the community. To effect this must therefore be 
the wish of every Friend to the State ; and I flatter myself with 
your Lordship’s indulgence whilst attempting to point out a 
method by which it may be accomplished, especially as I con¬ 
ceive it to be a duty owing to His Majesty and to the public. 

Manners are the result of principles. The former naturally 
flow from, and are regulated by, the latter. Hence we find that 
Barbarity and brutal vices, such as are pernicious to mankind, 
have always been the portion of ignorant nations; and that Virtue 
and the polished manners of social life, have distinguished those 
who were enlightened with knowledge. In order to civilise the 
Iroquois, it is necessary to begin with instructing them, espe¬ 
cially in the principles of Religion. Christianity is well adapted 
to this purpose. Whilst it has a more immediate and important 
end in view, which equally concerns all; it insensibly forms 
moral habits, corrects irregularities, and disposes the mind to 
submit to the restraints of government and laws ; without giving 
any alarm to the Savages, who are extremely jealous of their 
liberty, and wedded to their present mode of life. 

I shall not consider this subject in a religious view, nor adduce 


1 094 


MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR 


theological arguments for undertaking the Conversion of the 
Savages. I shall confine myself to such as are merely political • 
and only mention their conversion as being subservient to the 
purpose of civilising them, and riveting them more firmly to our 
interest. It may not, however, be improper to observe here, 
that if we believe there is a God, and a future state of rewards 
and punishments, if our future happiness or misery depends on 
our conduct here, if Christianity gives the justest notion^ of the 
Deity, teaches that worship which is most worthy of Him, as 
well as the purest morals, and promotes the happiness of States 
and Individuals—if, I sa/, we believe all this, certainly humanity 
should induce us to diffuse the light of Christianity among those 
poor Savages who have been so faithful and serviceable to us. 

The conversion of the Iroquois is evidently one of the first 
steps that should be taken to attach them firmly to our interest, 
and civilise them. Some progress has been already made in 
this by the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign 
Parts, and they still support a missionary and two schoolmasters 
among the Mohawks. But however willing to engage further 
in this laudable design, the Society are precluded from it by the 
low state of their funds. The expense attending it is greater 
than they are able to bear. A plan more enlarged, and meas¬ 
ures more rigorous than their circumstances can possibly admit, 
must be pursued, before such a change can take place among 
the Iroquois as would be beneficial to the State in so high a 
degree, and so extensively as were to be wished, and might 
reasonably be expected: The only Resource to which applica¬ 
tion can be made in this case is the government,.and indeed 
good policy requires that the Crown should be principally 
concerned in this business. The following reasons and argu¬ 
ments are therefore humbly offered to shew why government 
should interpose in this matter, and attempt the conversion of 
the Iroquois. 

The conversion of these Indians will entirely secure their 
friendship. This has been incontestibly proved by the conduct 
of the Mohawks. These were brought over to Christianity by 
the Society’s missionaries, and accordingly they have always 
proved faithful allies to us, particularly in the late war, during 


FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 


1095 


which they were as active in our cause as any of the King’s 
subjects. They are the only Indians of whom this can strictly 
be said, as they are only Indians who were converted by us. 
For although the other tribes of the Iroquois were in alliance 
with us, yet, through the practices of French priests, and other 
Emissaries, this only restrained them from doing us mischief. 
In general they afforded but little assistance in acting offensively 
against enemies. I say in general, for several men from each 
of the tribes joined us, and fought for us. 

The friendship of the Iroquois should be gained and settled 
on the firmest basis, as it will be of the utmost consequence to 
us in case of any future attempt by the French on Canada, or 
any of the other adjoining provinces. Those Indians who have 
been christianised by the French, are as jnuch attached to them 
as Our converts are to us. This is true even of such of the 
Iroquois as have been converted to Popery by French priests. 
In the last century, before we made any attempts to instruct the 
Iroquois in the principles of Christianity, a number of the 
Mohawks were brought over to Popery, and the French interest 
by some Jesuits from Canada, the consequence of which was, 
that they separated from their brethren, removed into Canada, 
became firm friends to the French and zealous professors of 
Popery, as their descendants are at this day. These are now 
known by the name of Cochnawaga Indians. It sfiould be 
further observed, that there are now many French missionaries 
among the Indians—perhaps as many as ever, and their success, 
already great, will increase still in proportion to our neglect. 
They are very careful to preserve their influence over the 
Indians, by keeping their converts steady in the faith they were 
taught, and gaining new proselytes. They are busy in sowing 
the seeds of discpntent among the Savages, which they will 
continue to do as long as they have an intercourse with any 
part of the Continent, notwithstanding our utmost vigilance to 
prevent it. The residence of a Popish Bishop in Canada will 
greatly favour those proceedings. Animated by his presence, 
and united by his authority and direction, the Missionaries will 
exert themselves with vigor, and having the power of ordination, 
the Bishop can increase the number of those Missionaries as 


1096 MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR 

occasion may require. It must be evident at first view, that if 
the Indians are thus entirely left in the hands of Popish Clergy¬ 
men, the greatest inconvenienced may in time arise from it. 
Even the Iroquois will probably be added to their converts, and 
no circumstance can be conceived more inviting or favorable to 
any hostile attempt in those parts by the French, than having 
so many thousands of savages, all trained up to arms and devoted 
to their interests, prepared to join them. It is necessary, there¬ 
fore, that we should prevent, as far as we can those ill conse¬ 
quences, which may be justly apprehended, by endeavoring to 
christianise the Iroquois, and bind them to us by the ties of 
Religion. They will hereby greatly help to defeat any design 
that may hereafter be formed by the French against Canada, or 
our other provinces. They will also serve as a counterpoise to 
the numerous tribes of Indians the French have already con¬ 
verted, and by that means fixed in their interests, ready to take 
arms for them when an occasion may offer. 

These reflections will receive additional weight by considering 
that the Iroquois themselves have often requested Missionaries 
might be sent to them, and are much dissatisfied at being 
neglected in matters of religion by the government. They 
frequently express their dissatisfaction and uneasiness on this 
head. They are surprised that when the present government 
supports two Popish Missionaries among Indians who are of 
another religion, and fought against us during the last war; 
they who were our friends, who shed their blood in our cause, 
and profess the same religion, should be passed over and quite 
neglected. Their surprise is not at all abated by reflecting, as 
they often do, that the clamorous demands of those popish 
Indians, accompanied with menaces, proved successful in 
obtaining Missionaries, whilst their mild and equitable requests 
to the same purpose have been always rejected. They proceed 
further to make a comparison between our conduct and that of 
the French in this respect, which is always to the advantage of 
the latter, who constantly paid the closest attention to the con¬ 
version of the Indians. These things they have sagacity enough 
to observe. Even those who care little about religion will 
mention them with warmth, considering all this as the effect of 


FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 


1097 


disregard to them, and our neglect of them besides in these 
matters, gives them a mean opinion of our principles and wis¬ 
dom. It were needless to say that this disposition will afford 
great advantages to the French priests, and procure them a 
more favorable reception, which they will not fail to improve. 
Under these circumstances the affection of the Indians will be 
alienated from us more and more, to which the pomp and cere¬ 
monies of the Romish religion, with which the Savages are much 
captivated, will not a little contribute. The only method that 
is left to counteract this and prevent the bad consequences that 
must evidently attend it, is to send Protestant Missionaries 
among the Iroquois. Establishments of this kind, if properly 
supported, will be a counterpoise to the advantages those Popish 
Missionaries possess, and to the assiduity of their endeavors. 
Hereby those Savages who are yet in the bosom of heathenism, 
may be brought to the knowledge of Christianity, and preserved 
from their influence ; those more perfectly instructed, who have 
received some impressions of religion, and the false prejudices 
they have embibed from Romish priests entirely removed. 

These advantages already mentioned resulting from the con¬ 
version of the Iroquois are very great. It w r ould be making 
faithful allies or subjects of those who otherwise might prove 
dangerous enemies, wdflch is a matter of real importance. But 
besides this, there are many other benefits which would arise 
from it. Our frontier settlements are extended to a great 
length ; they are defenceless, and open to the incursions of an 
enemy. Christianising those Indians would not only secure a 
lasting peace with them, but they would by this means form a 
barrier to our frontiers against any Indians that are more remote, 
and might be at war with us. The security of our frontiers 
would contribute to the quick population of this Province, and 
among several advantages of which this w r ould be productive, 
the following is one—that as the lands are held of the crown, 
and pay quit rents, this branch of his majesty’s revenue would 
be proportionality increased. Our commerce with the Indians 
would also gain by their conversion. For although it has been 
ailedged by some who knew little of Indian affairs, or thought 
superficially on the subject, that were the Indians converted to 


1098 MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR 

Christianity, and civilized, it would injure our trade with them ; 
yet the reverse of this is evidently true. Indolence, idleness, 
and intemperance are inseparable concomitants of a savage life. 
A Savage life also obstructs population. A civilised state, on 
the contrary, naturally promotes industry, and the increase of 
mankind. Of course our trade with the Indians would be 
benefited in proportion as they became more numerous and 
industrious—the consequence of their being civilised, and 
brought over to Christianity. This reasoning is obvious and 
just, and supported by experience, which is our surest guide in 
such matters. The Mohawks, to mention no other instance, are 
in some measure civilised. They cultivate land, several of them 
have learned trades ; all have fixed habitations ; they have also 
cattle of various kinds, many of the conveniences of polished 
life ; are professors of Christianity, and as regular and virtuous 
in their conduct as the generality of white people. Yet the 
Mohawks are still alert in hunting, like the other tribes, but 
surpass them far in point of industry in other respects, and have 
increased much more in proportion to their number since the 
late war. It is hj no means necessary that the Indians'^ should 
continue savages in order to follow hunting, by which their 
trade with us is carried on. That employment is consistent with 
the duties and manners of civilised life. Many of the English 
apply themselves to hunting as well as the Indians. Superior 
affluence only is what will call them from this, as from other 
branches of laborious business. And it cannot admit of any 
doubt, that an equal number of people who are civilised, and 
thereby made industrious, will be more serviceable to Commerce, 
and to the State in general, than so many Savages, whose wants 
are few, and who are indolent to the last degree. 

I shall not enlarge on so plain a case, but observe, that besides 
those general reasons and motives which induced the several 
European states that made settlements in America, to convert 
the natives, and in doing which they found their account; there 
are many others peculiar to our situation which conclude more 
strongly for our engaging in the like attempt. Indeed the 
English, as well the other Christian Powers, had this object in 
view from the first establishment of Brittish colonies in America. 


FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 1099 

This appears from the Charters given to the different Provinces, 
in which the conversion of the Savage Natives is expressly men¬ 
tioned as one principal motive for granting them. So that the 
interposition of Government in the present case, is no more than 
acting conformably to the avowed design of the Crown, in an 
instance where particular circumstances made it highly 
expedient. 

Perhaps it may be thought, that as we are now masters of 
Canada, and the Indians dependent on us for Ammunition, Arms 
and Clothing, there is little danger to be apprehended from them, 
and that' this should romove any anxiety for their Conversion or 
reduction to a civilised State. 

I answer, that this opinion seems to be ill-founded from what 
has been said already; and the Inference made from if, is repug¬ 
nant to the plain dictates of humanity and good policy. For 
surely we should not leave those Savages a Prey to Intemperance 
and the other miseries of their present state, when it is in our 
power to alter their condition so much for the better. Especially 
if it be considered that we have been instrumental in multiply¬ 
ing their miseries by teaching them Vices they knew not before, 
and that the near approach of the English Settlers administers 
to those Vices, by supplying more readily what will surely 
instigate the Indians to the perpetration of them. Justice, at 
least, demands that we should apply'an antidote against the 
Evils we have brought upon them, nor can this be done other¬ 
wise than by inculcating Principles which will restrain those 
Enormities. 

But were even the voice of Humanity silent, a regard for our 
own safety and interest remonstrates against the position I am 
considering. The Iroquois are a bold, fierce, enterprising 
People, and much addicted to War. If this military spirit does 
not find employment against a common enemy, or is not diverted 
into some other Channel, and softened by Culture, it will occasion 
much trouble, and be directed against ourselves. We have 
already experienced this since the conclusion of the late French 
war. There have been several commotions among the savages 
since that time, which I shall pass over, and only mention one 
that was very alarming. In the year 1763, several Tribes of the ; 


1100 MEMORIAL CONCERNING TIIE IROQUOIS OR 

western maians, instigated by jealousy at our Conquest of 
Canada, and our near approach to them, took up the Hatchet 
against us. They were headed by Pondiac, a noted Chief, and 
joined by several of the Senekas. In a few months they cut off 
no less than eight of our outposts, and totally defeated several 
detachments of His Majesty’s Troops that were sent against them. 
They also depopulated our frontiers to a great extent and ruined 
the Indian trade in many places. It was with great difficulty 
and expense, after much time and the loss of many lives,, that 
this Insurrection was quelled. To these Insurrections we shall 
be continually exposed, whilst the Indians are unprincipled and 
unsettled as at present. They will be ever turbulent, ready to 
kindle the Flames of War on the slightest neglect or provocation, 
and the inconveniences arising from such Insurrections are too 
glaring to require a particular delineation. Besides the injury 
to Trade, the obstruction to Population which they must occasion, 
and the lives that will be lost before they can be suppressed, 
one of those Insurrections may put the Crown to greater expense 
than would be sufficient to support for several years tire mea¬ 
sures proposed to convert and civilise the Indians ; by which they 
would forever become peaceable Subjects, and useful Members 
of society. Let me add that the Indiana, who are very numer¬ 
ous, will always have it in their power to distress our Trade and 
Frontiers much ; nor will they be at a loss for means to enable 
them to carry on those hostilities. Besides the resources they 
can have for Ammunition, Arms and Clothing from the Spaniards 
by way of the Mississipi, or secretly from the French of Canada ; 
there are many in our Colonies, who, for love of lucre, would 
supply them with whatever they wanted. This has been already 
done, when the Brittish Empire in America was in the greatest 
danger, and several of its Provinces reeking with the blood of 
their inhabitants. The utmost vigilance of Government cannot 
put a stop to this ; and there is no reason to imagine our Virtue 
and public spirit are increased, or will increase, so far as to 
prevent it entirely. I may venture to affirm that it is more 
necessary now than ever to cultivate a friendship with the 
Iroquois, and secure their fidelity. The success of our arms 
against Canada has raised the jealousy of almost all the Indians. 


FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 


1101 


They are apprehensive that their liberties are now m great 
danger, as the English, (of whom the western tribes knew little 
before, and whom the French taught them to despise,) have 
gained such an ascendancy in North America. They observe 
our progress with a jealous eye, and will seize every opportu¬ 
nity of combining to oppose and distress us. Against such 
combinations the Iroquois would be a sufficient barrier and 
security, were they by proper care fixed in ohr interest. 

To these Considerations others of great weight, and to the 
same purpose might be added respecting the French, in case of 
any design on Canada. I shall not repeat what has been already 
said on this head, but content myself with observing, that all 
human alfairs are very fluctuating and subject to great Revolu¬ 
tions. Our possession of Canada is a proof of it. The time 
may come when tilings will take a different turn*, and the 
friendship of the Indians be of great consequence to us. No 
person can reasonably doubt, however peaceable and satisfied 
the Roman Catholic subjects in that Province may appear at 
present, that they still retain a strong affection for their former 
Government, and for their countrymen, whose Religion, Manners, 
and Language are the same with their own. Their Indian con¬ 
verts are still fixed in their interests, and daily increasing. 
The encroachments of the French on the Iroquois, by which a 
spirit of animosity was formerly kept alive between them, and 
the latter were inclined to us, are now at an end. Their 
animosity will naturally cease with its cause, and this again will 
pave the way for proselyting the Iroquois to the Romish faith, 
by which their affections will be withdrawn from us. Now can 
any circumstance be more alluring than these to put the French 
on regaining what w as torn from them by the chance of War, or 
promise more success to such an attempt 1 If that enterprising 
Nation, in order to perplex us, and divert our arms, could send 
a Pretender on so hopeless an errand as the conquest of Britain, 
can we imagine they will not avail themselves of such advan¬ 
tages to become piasters of their ancient Possessions 1 These 
matters surely call for serious attention. Prudence should lead 
us to guard against future contingencies as far as possible, and 
caution us against being lulled into security, when danger is to 


1102 MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR 

be justly apprehended. It should direct us to deprive the 
French of those advantages which in all probability they will 
employ against us, and improve such as we have to the utmost 
of our power. Our neglect of the Indians will throw their 
whole weight into the opposite scale, and encourage the French 
to prosecute any schemes they may form against Canada. 
Whereas by proper endeavors to convert and civilise the Indians, 
their fidelity to us might be immoveably fixed. They would 
greatly help to secure us against any foreign Invasions, and in 
other respects prove beneficial to the Community. It is in truth 
a matter in which the Peace, Safety and Welfare of those North¬ 
ern Colonies are much concerned, and it is hoped the wisdom 
of government will attend to it accordingly. 

To ensure success in the execution of anj' design, much 
depends on pursuing proper measures. If these are ill-concerted, 
or not adapted to the end in view, a failure of the whole will 
probably follow. In attempting to convert and civilise Savages, 
great attention should be paid to their Situation, Prejudices, 
Temper, Disposition, and other circumstances. These should be 
minutely considered, and made as subservient as possible to the 
general design. Should Government, influenced by the above 
motives, think fit to engage in this Undertaking with respect to 
the Iroquois, the following Plan is humbly proposed ; in which I 
shall keep within the strict Bounds of what is practicable, and 
promises success on the one hand ; and avoid any unnecessary 
expense, as well as what would tend to give Umbrage to the 
Indians, on the other. For sake of Order and Perspicuity, I shall 
range under distinct heads the several parts of this Plan, in 
which I would propose— 

I. That two Missionaries, men of good character, abilities, 
and prudence, and in the orders of the established Church of 
England, be sent to the Iroquois, one to reside at Conajohare, 
the other at the old Oneida Town. Most of the Indians at both 
these villages have been baptised, and even profess Christianity; 
all are willing to be further instructed. Each of these Mission¬ 
aries should have a Salary of £1 50 sterling a year at least, to 
enable them to shew some marks of favor to the more deserving 
Indians, by making small Presents to them from time to time. 


FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 


1103 


This will be expected from them, and if judiciously managed, 
will have a good eifect in conciliating the affections of the 
Indians. If these Missionaries had some knowledge of Physic, 
so as to be able to assist the Indians in sickness, it would also 
increase their influence, and make their Spiritual Labors more 
successful. 

II. That a Schoolmaster be fixed at each of those villages, 
viz : Conajohare, and the old Oneida Town ; another at Onon¬ 
daga ; one at the principal village of the Cayugas, and two among 
the Senekas. These Schoolmasters, for whom admission and 
protection may be easily procured, should be prudent, and 
virtuous young men, and such as have had a liberal education. 
Their business will be to teach the Indians to read and write. 
They ought also to apply themselves diligently to learn the 
Indian Language, by which they will be better qualified to act 
as Missionaries afterwards, should their behaviour and merit 
entitle them to that office. Schools, if properly conducted, will 
be of infinite service. The Indians are all willing that their 
Children should be taught to read and write ; and Youth is the 
properest season to instill principles of Morality and Religion, 
which the Schoolmasters will have constant opportunities of 
doing. < Of these they ought to avail themselves ; and gradually 
unfold the Principles of the Christian Systems to their pupils. 
Each of those Schoolmasters ought to have a salary of <£40 Sterl. 
a year, which might be increased according to their industry 
and success. They also, as well as the Missionaries, should be 
furnished with Prayer-books, and such other Tracts in the Indian 
language as can be procured ; which will be necessary to teach 
the Indians to read, and instruct them in the principles of 
Religion. 

III. That Smiths be placed at some of the most convenient 
Indian Villages. These would be of great service to the Indians, 
and therefore very acceptable ; and probably some of the Indians, 
from a sense of their utility might be induced to learn their 
Trade. Their Wives might also be engaged to teach such of the 
Indian women as are willing to learn Spinning, Sewing and other 
Branches of female Industry. The Government formerly allowed 
Smiths at several of the Indian Villages, with a competent 


1104 MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR 

salary. These Mechanics would now be of much service in 
promoting the general design, and might be had at a trifling 
expense. The Spaniards have employed mechanics, and do 
still, for the same purpose to great advantage. 

IV. That the Missionaries and Schoolmasters employed in this 
Scheme be appointed, or at least approved, by the Society for the 
Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts. The Superinten- 
dency ot those matters naturally belongs to that Venerable Body, 
not only by reason that the}" coincide with the design of their 
Incorporation, and with their connections on this Continent, but 
also because the Society have with great fidelity discharged the 
important trust reposed in them, and have already done much 
towards Converting and Civilising th Iroquois. It is therefore 
proposed that they have the Care and Direction of the Missions 
specified in this Plan ; that the Missionaries and Schoolmasters 
shall regularly transmit to them accounts of their respective 
charges from time to time, in the same manner as those Mission¬ 
aries and Schoolmasters in the Society’s service do at present; 
to be annually laid before the Public, with their other Transac¬ 
tions. That the Missionaries, Schoolmasters and Mechanics, 
however, be under the immediate inspection of His Majesty’s 
Superintendant of Indian Affairs for the time being. His Station 
and Authority among the Indians will enable him to promote the 
execution of this Scheme. He will be the properest Person to 
direct the several Measures that shall be necessary on any new 
emergencies ; and through him, in conjunction with the Society, 
applications to Government should be made, in matters relative 
to those Missions. It will be proper that the Superintendant of 
Indian Affairs should be thus concerned in the Management of 
those Matters, because it will be of Utility to the general Design ; 
and also that he may see that such steps be taken as are consis¬ 
tent with the Interests of Trade, and the Views of Government 
respecting the Indians. 

V. That a set of Rules and Instructions be prepared by the 
Society for the Regulation of the Missionaries and Schoolmasters 
in the Discharge of their Respective Duties, which Rules and 
Instructions however shall, tor the reasons already mentioned 
be inspected and approved by His Majesty’s Superintendant of 


FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 1105 

Indian Affairs, previous to their Establishment. In drawing up 
these Instructions, particular Care should be taken to caution the 
Missionaries and Schoolmasters to be prudent in their Conduct, 
and to avoid whatever might give offence to the Indians, or 
awaken their Jealousy. Diligence in their Station, Sobriety, 
Gentleness, Condescension, and a disinterested Regard to the 
Welfare of the Indians, should be recommended, and that they 
sedulously inculcate Principles of -Loyalty among their Hearers, 
Converts and Pupils. 

VI. The last Article I shall mention as necessary to compleat 
this Plan, and make it more extensively useful, is the'erecting a 
College or Seminary in the old Oneida Town, where the Young 
Irtdians who are distinguished for their Genius, may repair for a 
more enlarged Education, and be fitted for the Ministry. Very 
few of the Indians can be prevailed on to let their Children go 
any great Distance for Instruction, and when they are persuaded 
to it, the Children always go with Reluctance. They are con¬ 
tinually anxious to return to their Parents and Brethren, which 
is an Obstruction to their literary Progress ; and when they 
return to their own People they generally run into the greater 
Excesses for their former Restraints. It is therefore a mistaken 
Notion that Seminaries at a Distance from the Indians and only 
among Christians, are fittest for the Education of Indian Youths. 
Besides the Difficulty of bringing them to such Seminaries, and 
the small Degree of Improvement they carry from them, it serves 
to raise their Jealousy, and the Transition is too great and too 
sudden, from their former mode of Life, to that which they must 
hereby enter upon. Any Change in the Manners of a Savage 
People, who have an high Sense of liberty, like the Iroquois, 
should be gradually effected. It should in some measure be the 
Result of their own Choice, as being apparently expedient, not 
of any Violence ; which will not fail to rivet them firmly to their 
Customs, and shut their Minds against Reason and Conviction. 
The Indian Country is evidently the properest Place to fix a 
Seminary for this Purpose, where the Parents can frequently see 
their Children ; by which all Uneasiness would be removed from 
both, and those other Inconveniences avoided. It would also be 
pleasing to the Indians in general. They would look upon it as 

Vat. xv. 70 


1106 MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR 

a Mark of our Regard, and Confidence in them. This would 
serve to reconcile them to the Instructions and Discipline of a 
College ; and induce them to encourage the Institution, even from 
a Principle of Gratitude. But I shall not enlarge on this Head, 
as this Seminary is not immediately necessary. It must be the 
Work of Time ; after the other Parts of the preceding Plan are 
carried into Execution, and a considerable Progress is made in 
each. 

After much Reflection on the State and Disposition of the 
Indians, and receiving the best Information from those who had 
an intimate intercourse with them for many years, I am per¬ 
suaded that this Plan is well adapted to their Circumstances, and 
would, if duly executed, produce the desired Effect in converting 
them to Christianity. If that can once be Accomplished, their 
firm Attachment to us will naturally follow, and their Reduction 
to a civilised State will be gradually and insensibly promoted at 
the same Time. Too much should not be attempted at first; 
especially in civilising them. It would probably alarm them, 
and thereby defeat the whole Design. The more westerly Tribes 
have yet received few Impressions of Christianity, and are least 
civilised. These should therefore be treated with more Caution 
than the Tribes that are near, or surrounded by, our Settlements. 
The latter from their Intercourse with the English, have adopted 
some of our Manners, and Customs, and having some knowledge 
of Religion already, are very desirous of further Instruction. 
All indeed are willing to be taught to read and w rite so that 
Schoolmasters may be sent immediately to all the principal 
Villages of the Confederacy, as is mentioned under the second 
article of the Plan. These will have an opportunity of prepar¬ 
ing the Way for Missionaries among the remote Tribes; and the 
latter may be introduced in a little Time, without giving any 
Alarm to the Savages. It will therefore be necessary to increase 
the Number of Missionaries, as the Indians are in a proper Dispo¬ 
sition to receive them ; and with them, Mechanics may be 
gradually admitted. When Matters are thus far advanced, the 
Work may be looked on as good as accomplished ; for the 
remaining Difficulties and Obstructions with Respect to the 
Indians, will be easily surmounted. A Seminary at Oneida will 


iiv E CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 


1107 


then be of singular use, and compleat the whole. In this Plan 
I have said Nothing of Interpreters, which will be necessary for 
the Missionaries and Schoolmasters when they first begin ; 
because I imagine they may be procured at a moderate Expence ; 
and even that may be laid aside in a little Time, when the 
Missionaries and Schoolmasters have attained some Knowledge 
of the Indian Language, which is by no means difficult for a 
Person of tolerable Capacity. 

Having thus laid down the Plan which I conceive should be 
pursued in this Business, I proceed to point out some Circum¬ 
stances which promise Success to the Attempt at this Time. 

The general Peace now subsisting among the Indians is very 
favourable to this Design. In former Times, the Iroquois were 
almost continually engaged in War ; either with the French, or 
some of the neighbouring Indians. A State of War must neces¬ 
sarily obstruct their Conversion, as all their Men are on these 
Occasions called into the Field ; their Country also is in perpetual 
Alarms, often a Scene of Blood and Desolation. In Times of 
Peace, like the present, the Inconveniencies are removed ; and 
they are at Leisure to attend instruction. 

Our possession of Canada is another Circumstance peculiarly 
favorable to the Conversion of the Iroquois, which did not 
exist till lately. W T hen the French were Masters of that Prov¬ 
ince, they were sensible of how much Consequence the Friend¬ 
ship of the Indians was to the Security, Trade, and Growth, of 
their Colony. The Government therefore gave all possible 
Encouragement and Assistance to their Missionaries in convert¬ 
ing the Savages. To this and the zeal of those Missionaries, 
who were generally Men of Abilities, must be attributed the 
great Success they had in making Indian Converts. The 
Iroquois are too considerable to be overlooked by a People so 
discerning and attentive to their Interest as the French. They 
earnestly courted, and with much Assiduity, the Friendship and 
alliance of the Iroquois. These Overtures were, for the most 
Part, rejected by the latter; owing in a great Measure to their 
Connection with us : And altho’ the French were generally at 
War with the Iroquois, yet their Priests had sufficient address 
to gain Admittance among them, and proselyte many. This gave 


11 OS MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR 

them an Opportunity of throwing many Difficulties in the Way 
of our Missionaries, which they have failed to improve. They 
stuck at Nothing however infamous for this Purpose. They 
invented and propagated the most glaring Falsehoods to prejudice 
the Indians against us. They did not even hesitate to persuade 
them that the English were the People who crucified Jesus Christ , 
and that the Books used by our Missionaries were written by 
the Devil. These Falsehoods gained Credit among the Ignorant 
Savages, especially the Popish Converts 5 and the Society’s 
Missionaries sensibly felt their effects. They met w T ith insuper¬ 
able Obstructions in the Discharge of their Duty; their Lives 
were often in Danger, and they were obliged to fly for their 
Preservation. The Scene is greatly changed at present; for 
although our Possession of Canada does not intirely Guard us 
against the Practices of Popish Emissaries ; yet it will secure us 
from the Incursions of an enemy, and enable us in some 
Measure to confine the Priests to their own Tribes. Any Inter¬ 
ruption they may give, cannot defeat the Scheme; and may 
serve as a spur to the Industry of our Missionaries, who, having 
the Authority of Government on their Side, will thence derive 
great advantages; such as must give them a Manifest Superi¬ 
ority. I shall just add, that from the above Specimen we may 
judge wffiat Impressions the Indian Converts to Popery are 
likely to receive of us from their Priests ; and what Methods the 
latter are capable of using to prejudice them against us. For 
we cannot with any Colour of Reason suppose their Indian 
Missionaries are more conscientious now than formerly, less 
bigotted to their own Religion, or entertain more favourable 
sentiments of ours. There is the clearest Proof of the contrary. 

The advanced Population of our Frontiers will greatly 
facilitate the Conversion of the Iroquois. Formerly there were 
very few English Inhabitants near the Indian Villages, which 
subjected our Missionaries to numberless hardships and embar¬ 
rassments. Removed far from our settlements, they could 
seldom converse with any but Savages. They often found it 
difficult to procure the common Necessaries of Life, or a Place 
of Refuge in Times of Danger, which were frequent. They 
were obliged to rely for immediate support and Protection on 


FIVE CONREDEllATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 


1109 


the Indians only ; many of whom were not well affected to 
Christianity ; all of them exposed to the Ravages of a barbarous 
Enemy. These Inconveniences, like the former, are now no 
more. Our Settlements surround some of the Indian Villages, 
and are not very Distant from others ; so that Missionaries may 
be readily supplied with whatever Necessaries they want, and 
will be under no apprehension of Danger to their Lives. Even 
the Indians, by their Vicinity to the English, and Intercourse 
with them, are become much more tractable and humane. In 
reality the State of Things is intirely changed from what it was 
formerly in this Respect; and all to the Advantage of the Design 
now under Consideration. But the most favourable circum¬ 
stance, and what promises success the most of any to an attempt 
for converting the Iroquois, is the Desire of the Iroquois them¬ 
selves that Missionaries might be sent to instruct them in 
the Principles of Christianity. They have repeatedly made this 
Request, and have urged it with much Earnestness, particularly 
at a Congress lately held, where 2,400 Indians from the different 
Tribes were present. This shews a general Disposition in the 
Iroquois to embrace Christianity; and that the Plan now pro¬ 
posed would be successful. 

These particulars might be enlarged, were it necessary, and 
others added to them which would evince this point further. 
But enough has been said, in my humble opinion, to remove any 
Apprehension of a Failure in the Success of the Scheme now 
laid down; or that the Expence and Trouble attending it would 
be fruitless. For my Part, I would be the last Person to recom¬ 
mend such a Measure, had I not as great a certainty as the 
Nature of the Case will admit, of its Success, as well as of its 
general Utility. 

But altho I am fully satisfied on this Head ; yet I am sensible 
that Objections have been raised concerning it. It will therefore 
be proper in this Place briefly to obviate these: Because how¬ 
ever weak or ill-founded, they may influence even the Judicious 
for Want of due Information ; and I would willingly lay before 
your Lordship, in as clear and concise a manner as I could, 
whatever might tend to elucidate the Subject. I shall select 


1110 


MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR 


some of the most plausible Objections that have come to my 
Knowledge. 

Among other Things it has been suggested—“ That the 
“ Iroquois are such an ignorant, barbarous People, that they are 
u incapable of being civilised or brought over to Christianity.” 

But this Language is manifestly dictated by Prejudice, I grant 
the Iroquois are ignorant, when compared with civilised 
Nations ; but certainly we should distinguish between Ignorance 
and Dulness—between the Want of Knowledge and the Want 
•of Capacity to receive it. Whoever has any Acquaintance with 
the Iroquois, must know they are not deficient in Point of 
Understanding. No People have more Sagacity to discern their 
Interest, according to their prevailing Notions, or can reason 
better on it; none can project Schemes with more Subtilty to 
promote it, or have more Spirit and Resolution to carry those 
Schemes into Execution. Their Speeches at Treaties, their 
Conversation and Conduct are incontestable Proofs of this. 
Besides it is well known that such of them as will learn to read 
and write, generally make a more rapid Progress than Persons 
of the same Age among us. It may then with Truth be affirmed, 
that the Indians are not inferior in their Intellectual Faculties 
to other Nations, or less capable of Improvement. Their 
Knowledge indeed, for Want of Culture, is confined within a 
narrow Circle; but notwithstanding, they shew a Discernment, 
and a Force of Understanding, which place them on a Level 
with the Best of Mankind. 

It is further granted that the Iroquois are barbarous ; but this 
by no means proves that they are incapable of being civilised. 
We know of very few Nations which were not originally as 
barbarous as they. No ancient People surpassed the Greeks in 
Knowledge, Policy and Refinement of Manners; or left to the 
World such Monuments of exalted genius. Yet History testifies 
that the Greeks were once extremely rude and savage—much 
more so than the Iroquois at present. Without Letters, Laws, 
or Policy, or even Food proper for Men, they wandered in 
Fields and Woods, having no Places of Shelter, but Dens and 
Caverns. Their own Writers, and those of best Note, confirm 
this Account; and that many Ages had elapsed before they 


FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 


1111 


emerged out of this brutal State. It was by very slow steps, by 
repeated Efforts of wise and great Men, that they rose to that 
Eminence which afterwards so much distinguished them. About 
the Commencement of the Christian Era, the Germans.and 
•Britons were as barbarous as the Indians of this Continent, whom 
they greatly resembled in many Particulars. Yet experience 
hath evinced that those Nations were as capable of Improve¬ 
ment as any upon Earth. 

As to the American Indians, it is certain that the Mexican, a 
Nation of North America, were civilized in a high Degree; 
when first discovered by the Europeans. This was also the Case 
with the Peruvians; and altho the latter were Inhabitants of 
South America, yet the near resemblance between all the 
Natives of this vast Continent, affords the strongest Presumption 
that they are equally capable of being civilised. That the 
superior Attainments of one Nation above others, in Knowledge, 
Arts and Policy, were owing here, as well as in other Parts of 
the World, to local circumstances, and other Accidents, not to 
any inherent Difference in the People, appears from the follow¬ 
ing Instance. The Indians of Paraguay, for several years after 
the arrival of the Spaniards, were among the most Savage of the 
Inhabitants of South America, yet by the Endeavours and 
Labours of the Jesuits, they are now reduced to civil Life, are 
regular, industrious Members of Society, and zealous Professors 
of Popery. 

These Reflections might be carried much further. But I shall 
only observe, that the Iroquois resemble other barbarous 
Nations, seem to have much the same Vices, and are equally 
attached to their own Manners. They also possess the same 
Faculties, with as great a share of Reason and understanding, as 
others of the human Species in general. Experience hath 
demonstrated that the most ignorant and barbarous People may 
be civilised ; and why not here as well as elsewhere t I am 
persuaded that no solid Reason can be assigned why the Iroquois 
should be an Exception to the general Rule. Human Nature is 
much the same in every Clime and Age. Culture, with other 
external Circumstances,' constitute the principal Difference 
betwen the various Parts of Mankind. For we find the same 


1112 


MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR 


Nation, at different Periods, differ from itself, in Point of Man¬ 
ners, as much as the most distant Nations, can differ from each 
other. 

It is certain that the Mohawks, from the Impressions of 
Religion they have received, and their Intercourse with th*e 
English, have already made considerable Progress towards 
civilised Life. Were proper Measures taken for the Purpose, 
there can be no Doubt, but much more might be done this Way. 
Nothing but the Want of those Measures, and their Connections 
with the Nations of their Confederacy, still buried in Darkness 
and Barbarity, at the Head of which they are ambitious to 
figure, prevent it. If the Mohawks were intirely to adopt our 
Manners, their Influence over the other Tribes would be at an 
End. But if these Tribes were instructed as They are, the Case 
would be very different. 

As to the Notion that the Iroquois cannot be converted to 
Christianity, it is utterly groundless. Not to mention the great 
Number of Converts made by the French among Nations border¬ 
ing on the Iroquois, and equally barbarous ; the Success of the 
few Missionaries we sent among them, is a sufficient Refutation 
of it. In the year 1745 Dr. Barclay, the Society’s Missionary to 
the Mohawks* was obliged in Consequence of the French War, 
and Practices of Popish Emissaries, to abandon Fort Hunter. 
He had resided in that Mission 8 years only : during which 
Time the Iroquois were often engaged in War. This worthy 
Missionary had no Interpreter ; his Life was frequently in 
Danger ; besides numberless other Difficulties he had to struggle 
with. Yet his Congregation consisted at his Departure, of no 
less than 500 Indian Converts, of whom more than 80 were 
regular communicants; which was more than Double the 
number he found there at his first coming. If so great a Pro¬ 
gress could be made in christianising the Indians amidst so many 
Obstructions; Reason will tell us that much greater Progress 
might be made in it at present, when those Embarrassments are 
removed. 

It hath been further urged on this Subject—“ That civilising 
K a barbarous People should precede any Attempt to christianise 


FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 1113 

“ them ; and before they can be made Christians they must first 
“be made reasonable Men.” 

This Objection tho plausible, and perhaps true in some Cases ; 
yet will not hold good in the present Instance. There cannot 
indeed be mucli hope of succeeding in the Conversion of any 
People to Christianity, who are continually wandering from 
Place to Place ; because in such Circumstances, they cannot 
enough attend, to the Instructions that are delivered. But the 
Case is far otherwise with the Iroquois. They are settled in 
Villages, where they reside the whole year, except in the Season 
of Hunting, which lasts but a few months; so that there is 
sufficient Time and Opportunity for Instruction. 

Christianity is certainly most likely to spread among People 
who are civilised ; because the Mind is thereby prepared in 
some Measure to submit to its precepts. But to conclude from 
thence, that a barbarous People cannot be brought over to 
Christianity, would be a very wrong Inference. The many 
Converts already made by the English and French, among the 
Savage Tribes of North America, as I said before, are a Demon¬ 
stration of the contrary, to omit other Instances. On the other 
Hand, I will not hesitate to affirm, that one of the most effectual 
Methods to civilise a barbarous People, is to inculcate Principles 
of Religion among them ; provided they reside long enough in 
one Place to attend, and are willing to hear them. This was 
hinted at before, and as it is a Point of some Consequence, should 
be elucidated a little farther. 

An ignorant, Savage People, accustomed to a Life free from 
Care or Restraint, and possessed of an high Sense of Liberty, 
cannot without the utmost Difficulty be brought to submit to 
Labour or the Controll of Laws. The Pleasure or Benefits 
resulting from Knowledge, Arts or refined Manners, have no 
Charms for them. They are outweighed by their Love of 
Liberty and Ease, which they hold in much greater Estimation. 
This hath been true of rude, uncivilised Nations in every part of 
the World ; and hence we find that Legislators in general, when 
attempting to civilise barbarous People, did not content them¬ 
selves with merely displaying the temporal Advantages arising 
from a civilised State 1 . Sensible that genre Motives more pdtt- 


1114 


MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR 


erful were necessary to counteract inveterate Habits and 
Prejudices, they called in Religion to their aid. Accordingly 
they availed themselves of the Belief of a Supream Being, which 
they found People everywhere possessed of, and made it subser¬ 
vient to their Purpose. The first Thing they did was to 
confirm this Belief, institute a Ceremonial of Religious Worship, 
and inculcate the Doctrine of a future Life. This Expedient 
had the desired Effect; and accomplished what had been other¬ 
wise attempted in vain. To this Purpose we have the Testi¬ 
mony of some of the most judicious Writers of Antiquity, that 
the Eleusinian Mysteries (in which were probably taught the 
Belief of a Supream Being, a Providence and future Life, with 
the Necessity of a Rectitude of Moral Conduct) contributed 
more than any other Means to soften the Savage Manners of the 
first Inhabitants of Europe. 

These Particulars are Pertinent to the Point under Consider¬ 
ation These shew the Judgment and Practice of the wisest 
Men to have been contrary to what is suggested in this Objec¬ 
tion ; and Experience evinced that they judged right. We may 
reasonably conclude, that the same Measures ought to be 
persued in similar Circumstances now, as well as formerly, and 
that they will be attended with similar effects; consequently, 
that we should introduce Religion among the Iroquois in order 
to civilise them. 

The Iroquois, and other Indian Tribes of North America, 
believe in a God, in a Providence and future State of Existence, 
and what is very remarkable, even those who have yet had no 
Tincture of Christianity, discover the most reverential Awe of 
the Supream Being, and pay uncommon Defference to the 
Ministers of Religion. They are hereby prepared in some 
Degree for receiving the Truths of Christianity, which will 
naturally dispose them to Change their Manners, and admit the 
Arts of civil Life ; and they would certainly Spurn at any Pro¬ 
posal for introducing the latter without the former. My opinion 
therefore is that our Endeavours to civilise the Iroquois, and 
Convert them to Christianity, should be joined together, as is 
specified in the preceding Plan. They will mutually promote 


FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 


1115 


and assist each other ; and thus the End in View will be more 
speedily and effectually accomplished. 

I said before u that good Policy required the Crown should be 
u principally concerned in this Business.” My Reasons were 
such as I am persuaded your Lordship will approve. It has 
been the Opinion of Government, and what our Proceedings, 
relative to the Indians, are at present regulated by. That all 
Transactions with them should pass thro’ one Channel, and be 
carried on in the Name of the Crown. This was wisely judged ; 
being- the best Expedient to unite them in the common Cause, 
and prevent the ill Consequences of leaving them to be practised 
on by such as might have Interests or Views of any Kind, 
inconsistent with those of the State. On this Principle, the 
present Plan has a peculiar claim to his Majesty’s Patronage. 
The Indians should be taught to look up to Him as their com¬ 
mon Father and Protector. Nothing would have a greater 
Tendency to attach them to His Person or Government, than his 
contributing a Part of His Royal Bounty to support a Scheme 
calculated to procure their present and future Happiness. They 
would consider it as the greatest Mark of his Friendship and 
Regard for them. Be assured that even those Indians who have 
not yet been Christianised, would view it in this Point of Light. 
His Majesty’s Authority, besides, would give Weight to the 
Design, and promote its Success; and therefore His Royal 
Patronage of a Plan, by which these important Ends are to be 
answered would be highly proper. 

Another Circumstance wdiich is worthy of particular Notice 
on this Head is, That the Indians discover a much greater 
Inclination to be Instructed in the Principles of Christianity by 
Clergymen of the Church of England, than by dissenting Min¬ 
isters. The Solemnity of our Worship is more pleasing to them. 
The Savages are incapable of entering into the spirit of our 
Religious Disputes and Divisions, or of forming a Proper Judg¬ 
ment concerning them. As we are all under one King and 
worship one God, they think we ought to have but one Religion ; 
and they suppose that which is professed by the King is best. 
Hence proceeds the dislike shewn by the Indians to some dis- 


1116 MEMORIAL CONCERNING THE IROQUOIS OR 

suiting Teachers who have lately attempted their Conversion ; 
for on hearing their Religion was not the same with the King’s 
they were much disgusted. Besides, the gloomy Cast of those 
Teachers, and their Mode of Worship, are forbidding and disa- 
greable to the Indians. But the present Plan, which proposes 
that they should be proselyted by Clergymen of the National 
Church, would be clear of those Embarrassments ; and as 
Supreme Head of the Church of England, it should be carried 
on in his Majesty’s Name. Or even supposing that the Dissent¬ 
ers should at least prove successful in their endeavours among 
the Indians; yet it deserves serious Consideration, whether it 
would not be more eligible and safe that the Iroquois were 
Converted to the National Faith, and in such a Manner, as 
would indubitably secure their Fidelity to the Crown. I shall 
not enlarge on so delicate a Point. Your Lordship can reflect 
on this Hint. 

I have now gone through what I proposed on tins Subject, and 
have studied Brevity as far as was consistent with Perspicuity. 
I shall not trespass farther on your Lordship’s Patience than to 
observe—That every Motive of Humanity and good Policy—of 
Regard to our Safety and Welfare, loudly calls for some vigorous 
Measures with Respect to the Iroquois, to secure their Friend¬ 
ship, prevent their Seduction by Roman Catholics, and guard 
against the Evils that may be thence apprehended, as well as 
those we may surely expect from their Continuance in their 
present savage State. The Method to effect all »this, I have 
taken the Liberty to point out. The Expence attending it is 
trivial when compared with the Advantages we shall certainly 
reap from it; about <£500 Sterl. a year being sufficient for the 
Purpose ; and it is more than probable there never will be again 
such a Concurrence of Circumstances, as at present, to favour a 
Design of this Kind. I shall only add ; that Nothing would 
reflect greater Lustre on, or be more worthy of, our present 
gracious Sovereign, who is Himself an illustrious Example of 
every Virtue, than to deliver those poor Savages from their 
present wretched State of Darkness, Error and Barbarity, and 
diffuse the Blessings of Religion and social Life among-them; 


FIVE CONFEDERATE NATIONS OF INDIANS. 


1117 


thereby securing many Benefits to the Comunity, particularly to 
His Subjects in this Part of the World, who have in numberless 
Instances already experienced the Effects of His Royal Munifi¬ 
cence and Paternal goodness. 

The whole is submitted, with all Defference, to your Lord- 
ships Judgement and Wisdom. 

New-York, Octob. 1, 1771. 


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